[Scottish National Memorials Contents]
CHASED SILVER SNUFF-BOX, given by the Earl of Argyll, after his capture, to Thomas Crawford, of Craufurdsburn or Cartsburn, as a mark of his respect, with the words:- ‘Thomas, it hath pleased Providence to frown on my attempt, but remember, I tell you, ere long one shall take up this quarrel, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry, who will not miscarry in his under taking.’1
(328) Lent by T. MACKNIGHT CRAWFURD.
MEDAL, of James II., to commemorate the suppression of the rising headed in Scotland by Argyll and in England by Monmouth. Bust of the king to left, laureate, in Roman dress, resting on four sceptres upon a pedestal, in front of which is the royal shield, with Scotland in the first and fourth quarters as on the Scottish coins. The shield, which is crowned, is within the garter. The crown divides the date- ‘1685.’ Under the shield there is inscribed:- ‘R. A. FEC.’, showing that it is the work of R. Arondeaux, whose numerous medals range from 1678 to 1702. Below there is:- ‘ARAS ET SEPTRA TUEMUR.’ In the distance are two ships, and Neptune in his car. Legend:- ‘IACOBVS II D • G • MAG • BRI • FRAN • ET • HIB • REX.’ The reverse shows Justice trampling on a viper, and weighing three crowns against a serpent, sword, and torch; while at her feet are the headless bodies of Monmouth and Argyll. Two blocks, each bearing a head, are respectively inscribed – ‘IACOBUS DE MONTMOUT’ and ‘ARCHIBALD D’ARGYL.’ The pedestal on which Justice stands has the words:- ‘AMBITIO MALESUADA RUIT.’ Above is the sun. On one side lightning is descending on troops, and on the other two heads are fixed over the gates of the Tower. This medal is very rare, and seems to have been unknown to Cochran-Patrick. Diameter 2 4⁄10, inches.
(327) Lent by W. MURRAY THREIPLAND.
The facts of this badly-arranged, ill-fated enterprise are to be found in Wodrow’s History, Burnet’s History of his Own Time, McCrie’s Memoirs of Veitch and Brysson. Fox’s History of the Reign of James the Second, Rose’s Observations, and Heywood’s Vindication of Fox. Macaulay has presented the salient points with his usual brilliancy and power.
–
1 Wodrow’s History, iv. 299.
